Level Descriptions:

Level I

Dancers who are just starting out! Anyone can join our level I classes, whether it be a student brand new to dance or an experienced dancer looking to strengthen their technique. For our level I classes, take a look at the age range in the brackets after the class title to find which class is best for your student.

Level II, III, and IV/V

Dancers who have had multiple years of experience and training. You must receive instructor or director permission to join a class level II or above.

*Students new to PacWest must do an assessment private lesson to enroll in a class level II or above - Contact the front desk for more information*

Class Descriptions:

Tiny Twos

Tiny Two's is an intro to dance for our youngest dancers. This class is for two-young three year old dancers and gives them an intro to a classroom setting. Focusing primarily on Ballet technique, this class is a great start for any young dancer.

Tiny Tumblers is a beginning Acro (see description below) class for our 3-4 year olds students. This class specifically focuses on basic tumbling tricks that are suitable for younger students.

Tiny Tumblers

Ballet/Tap (3-4)

With this combo class for 3-4 year olds, you get the chance to have your child try two dance styles for the price of one! Ballet is the center of all dance, and provides the structure, vocabulary, and aesthetic appreciation required for every other style of dance. Tap is the art of creating music with the feet; and in this class dancers will experience an intro to basic and essential tap steps.

Ballet/Tap/Jazz (5-7)

Much like Ballet/Tap (3-4), this class allows your dancer to try out a variety of different dance styles within one class. Ballet is the center of all dance, and provides the structure, vocabulary, and aesthetic appreciation required for every other style of dance. Tap is the art of creating music with the feet; and in this class dancers will experience an intro to basic and essential tap steps. Jazz combines essential ballet steps with the more modern steps that are found in Pop and Broadway.

Twinkles

The Twinkles are the PrePerforming Company, adding more performances and studio time to a dancer’s schedule. It’s like the Company’s version of training wheels.

Jazz encompasses a wide range of dance styles from the dance world. Taking inspiration from Pop and Broadway styles, and adding in Ballet technique allows dancers to have the structure of dance as well as the freedom of expressive movement. This style requires dancers to work on their technique(i.e. pointed or flexed feet, straight knees, and control) as well as their creative style.

Levels I and II as well as Teen/Adult classes focus on basic technique and an intro to the Jazz dance style. Levels III and above dive deeper into Jazz choreography, given that students have prior knowledge of Jazz technique. Turns and Leaps and Ballet classes are a great supplement to Jazz.

Jazz

Tap is the art of creating music with the feet. Level I/II and Teen dancers will be introduced to the fundamental steps of tap and the precision and clarity required to execute proper timing. Level III and IV/V dancers are introduced to more complex movement at faster speeds. Musicality and clarity are emphasized. Hip Hop is recommended as a supplement to Tap, so that students can bring style to their footwork.

Tap

Ballet is the core discipline that provides the structure, vocabulary, and aesthetic appreciation required for every other style of dance. Dancers develop an appreciation for detail, thereby creating the desired line or form. Ballet I educates the young dancer in barre work and the numerous exercises that accompany it. Teen/Adult Ballet also focus on barre and vocabulary, but in an environment better suited to an older student.

Center work is introduced as dancers become more proficient at the barre. Level II/II and level IV/V Ballet build upon previously understood barre work, and leave ample time for center floor variations. Level placement is based upon the dancer’s understanding of ‘center’ or core posture, understanding of proper alignment and turnout, execution of ballet fundamentals, and attendance. Dress Code is strongly enforced in all levels.

Ballet

Contemporary dance is a style of expressive dance that combines elements of several dance genres including modern, jazz, lyrical and classical ballet. Contemporary dancers strive to connect the mind and the body through fluid dance movements. Contemporary dance stresses versatility and improvisation, unlike the strict, structured nature of ballet. Contemporary dancers focus on floorwork, using gravity to pull them down to the floor. This dance genre is often done in bare feet. Jazz, Lyrical, and Ballet are all great supplements to Contemporary classes.

Contemporary

Originating from Ireland, Irish dance is the traditional performance and social dance. This form of dance is recognized for the dancer's quickly executed movements. Dancers are introduced to fundamental steps. In class, students practice rapid leg movements, while the body and arms are kept largely stationary. The discipline of Ballet is a great addition to an Irish class.

Irish

Hip Hop incorporates popping, locking, street jazz, Capoeira and African movement in a style that follows current musical trends. Hip Hop is a great class for anyone looking to increase stamina, coordination, and rhythm. (PacWest Hip Hop is never about putting inappropriate movement on children who do not understand it!)

Level I and Beginning Teen Hip Hop introduce dancers to basic jazz techniques required to properly execute the sharp isolations of hip hop, but maintains the fun freestyle atmosphere that is unique to this genre. Level II Hip Hop builds upon previous learning, and emphasizes the performance quality that accompanies and accentuates hip hop.

Level III and IV/V are choreography-intense classes that begin to focus on the muscular and cardiovascular conditioning needed for intricate movement.

Hip Hop

Lyrical uses the vocabulary and softness of ballet, the musicality of jazz, and the techniques of modern to tell the story of a contemporary song. Emphasis is on flow and transition - in essence, how dancers connect movement. Level I and II dancers are introduced to facial expressions and the "quality" required to transmit emotion. Level III and IV/V dancers will build upon the understanding of movement and emotion demonstrated in previous levels.

Lyrical

Modern incorporates the techniques of contemporary artists such as Graham, Horton, and Limon to produce movement that tends to fall just outside definition. Emphasis on strength, line, shape, and partnering are part of all levels.

Modern

This class is designed to strengthen muscles and develop technique that will improve turning and leaping skills. We will work on getting height and clean lines in jumps and leaps, as well as the correct technique for optimal turning ability.

Turns & Leaps

Acro

Acro, short for acrobatics is where dancers increase flexibility and strength as they learn gymnastic movements such as backbends, handstands, cartwheels, front and back walkovers, and handsprings.